Turkey's Policies Threaten Greek Orthodox Community and Bolster Russian Influence, Warn Leaders

Warsaw, October 10, 2024 — During a recent Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) conference, leading figures from the Eastern Orthodox Christian community expressed grave concerns over Turkey's policies, which they claim threaten the existence of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Greek Orthodox presence in the country. These policies, they warn, could also pave the way for increased Russian influence in the region.

Archons Rocky Sisson and Prepositos presented their findings at the annual Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, criticizing Turkey's government for undermining the Greek Orthodox community's rights. They particularly highlighted the lack of legal recognition for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which restricts its ability to own property, such as churches and religious artifacts. Additionally, the closure of the Theological School of Halki in 1971 has severely hindered the community’s capacity to train new clergy.

Sisson described these threats as significant human rights violations, posing severe risks to the survival of the Greek Orthodox Christian community, describing them as the indigenous population of Turkey. He emphasized that this situation creates a strategic opportunity for Russia to expand its influence, particularly under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow.

The potential forced removal of the Ecumenical Patriarchate from Turkey would, according to Sisson, facilitate Russian ambitions to establish a new Russian Ecumenical Patriarchate or assert greater dominance within the Orthodox Christian world.

Sisson urged OSCE member states to advocate for the legal recognition of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the reopening of the Halki theological school to safeguard the religious community's future in Turkey. He called on governments to be vigilant regarding Russia's broader expansionist policies.

The US State Department's 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom also criticized Turkey's ongoing limitations on non-Muslim religious minorities, citing violations that include obstructing the education of minority clergy and complicating the operation of their places of worship. Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has faced condemnation for these actions, which affect groups outside the official recognition of the 1923 Lausanne Treaty, including Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Christians, Jews, and Greek Orthodox Christians.

As the situation unfolds, international pressure may be crucial in addressing these religious freedom concerns and mitigating any geopolitical ramifications involving Russia.